first time porcelain - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

spudgun · 13-10-2008

start bathrom job this week using 400x400 mm grey porcelain tiles ,the floor as already been borded and under tile heating cable laid ,my plan is to self level to protect the cable , just wondering if my plasplug wet cutter would be up to the job with these tiles ,should i use a new disc cutter the one fitted is about three months old with average use,also could i use an angle grinder ,used one on slate job ,worked really well
as usual any advice regarding porcelain would be greatfully accepted

bigandy · 13-10-2008

First and foremost,check that the floor has been boarded out correctly!As even if you have nt laid it you will be at fault if you dont tell customer if it's not up to scratch.
Secondly check the UFH is working (by carrying out a continuity test)before you touch it.
third, i would use self leveller of course with latex in. as recommended by UFH guidlines.
fourth most of your cuts on the porcelain should be acheived on a dry cutter.

almost any wet cutter will do the job it's the blade that is most iportant(look at marcisist)but we will need more on which plasplugs cutter you have to give you a better informed opinion

**365drills** · 16-10-2008

Agree with BigAndy on the cutter. Its the quality of the diamond blade that's important.

Paul - my tiler uses a plasplugs machine with a good diamond blade.

Fred · 16-10-2008

I have used the marcrist in my cutter, now getting a blade from another company, and it is just as good, imho. Always have a good porcelain blade.

**brian c** · 16-10-2008

i would use a flexi adhesive and grout,especially with UFH, also make sure you wear your safety glasses when using a grider to cut tiles as CTD and B AND q DONT SELL eyes.

cjbombero · 17-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian c

i would use a flexi adhesive and grout,especially with UFH, also make sure you wear your safety glasses when using a grider to cut tiles as CTD and B AND q DONT SELL eyes.

And when using a wet cutter......Just like Richard's tiler isn't!

cjbombero

**365drills** · 17-10-2008

Yes! - Health and Safety. Always wear eye protection. My tiler wont wear them. Thinks he's indestructible.

And he doesnt wear a seat belt in a van.

cjbombero · 17-10-2008

[quote=365drills;132465]Yes! - Health and Safety. Always wear eye protection.My tiler wont wear them. Thinks he's indestructible.

And he doesnt wear a seat belt in a van.[/quote]

Well as a Fireman of ten years maybe I could post a few photos to try and change his mind....

Mental.

Daveyboy · 17-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian c

i would use a flexi adhesive and grout,especially with UFH, also make sure you wear your safety glasses when using a grider to cut tiles as CTD and B AND q DONT SELL eyes.

My plasterer has spent the last week going to and from hospital to have metal and tile splinters taken out of his right eye because he forgot to take his glasses to a job and couldn't be bothered to go and get them (only lived 5 mins away)..he was lucky not to lose his sight...

Sully · 17-10-2008

'Borded' with what - PLY? I know that lots do but I'd never lay UFH direct onto a wooden substrate - needs to be over-boarded with insulation boards / tilebacker boards as the heating cables will cause movement in the ply resulting in likely tile failure.

But maybe I've just opened another debate

**365drills** · 18-10-2008

Spudgun the other question you asked was if you can use an angle grinder.

I've used them on tiles - but a word of warning. Even the smallest angle grinders kick like a mule. They only have two settings. Off - and light speed.

When you hit the button expect it to kick like a mule. And hang on.

They are ok if you dont need accuracy. Beware they will not be easy to control. I used one for half a day and my hands were shaking.

Also make sure you have full protection including LONG sleeve shirt, GOGGLES and trousers. They are vicious with chipping and I found my arms covered in stratches where chips flew by because I had a tee shirt on.

The final downside is water cooling. There aint any! - I tried to spray water but it flys everywhere so nice and messy. Proper tile cutters have a water delivery method and collector. In short it might be easier to stick with the tile cutter.